Equestrians purchase White Oak Plantation in Columbus

Saturday

Jan 12, 2013 at 8:46 AM

Tryon Equestrian Properties LLC bought White Oak Plantation in Columbus for $11 million late last month, and the developer plans to turn the property into a premiere international equestrian lifestyle destination, according to Polk County records.

By MARK SCHULMAN Halifax Media Group

TRYON, N.C. — Tryon Equestrian Properties LLC bought White Oak Plantation in Columbus for $11 million late last month, and the developer plans to turn the property into a premiere international equestrian lifestyle destination, according to Polk County records.

The draft development agreement states Tryon Equestrian Properties intends to have equestrian events, a golf course, hotel resort and convention center, spa and fitness center on 1,000 acres off of Pea Ridge Road in the Green Creek community.

Plans call for a maximum 800-dwelling subdivision, 300-room hotel, winery, lighted 6,000seat stadium and restaurants, along with many more amenities.

The documents also state that the developer wants White Oak Plantation to have a positive economic impact year-round by having diverse recreational, sporting and cultural events.

Tryon Equestrian Properties wants to see Tryon maintain and elevate its reputation as one of the birthplaces of modern equestrian sport.

It also wants to coordinate efforts with existing Polk County equestrian assets, create a major international equestrian venue called the Tryon International Equestrian Center, establish a major equestrian festival called the Tryon Equestrian Festival and develop a robust economic engine for the community, according to the proposed agreement.

The developer anticipates a long-term investment that could exceed $90 million and believes the tax base of the completed project could be more than $500 million.

The primary members of the development group also are primary members and managing members of Wellington Equestrian Partners, owners of the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Fla. The 12-week festival is the largest and longest running equestrian festival in the world, the documents state, and it attracts more than 5,000 horses from around the globe.

Currently, attorneys continue to work on the development agreement and zone ordinance modifications, said Cathy Ruth, planning director for Polk County.

The planning board briefly will discuss the draft development agreement at its meeting on Thursday, and the board will meet again Feb. 14 to address the development agreement.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.